A NEW centre has been launched in Lampeter which will focus on adapting to climate change.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has launched the Wales Centre for Resilience and Harmony at its Lampeter Campus as part of its Canolfan Tir Glas initiative, an ambitious and bold new vision for Lampeter which is underpinned by economic regeneration.

The aim is to create new jobs, establish the town as a major tourist destination and attract more students to study a wide range of programmes in Lampeter.

The Wales Centre for Resilience and Harmony will focus on areas relating to alleviating and adapting to the effects of climate change, providing training relating to sustainable living and working within rural communities in West Wales.

During the evening, held on Friday, 19 November, speakers included UWTSD’s Professors of Practice who will be supporting the initiatives, Professor David Cadman, Professor Simon Wright and Professor Richard Dunne as well as Julia Lim of the Lampeter Resilience Hub, Associate Professor Nick Campion, Director of the Harmony Institute, and Anna Jones, UWTSD’s Civic Mission and Sustainability Manager.

The University is working closely with Ceredigion County Council, Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gâr, Lampeter Town Council, the Welsh Government, the UK Government and various other partners in Lampeter, Ceredigion and Mid Wales, to develop the initiative to its full potential.

Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Provost of the Lampeter campus said: “As a core institution, the university recognises that it has a central role to play in the regeneration of the town.

“Some three years ago, the university received a letter from the Lampeter Permaculture Group offering a number of suggestions for development here in Lampeter. Those suggestions centred on how concerns for a sustainable future, especially in local food production, together with the great beauty of the landscape, attract people to this area.

“Now, three years later, through the endeavours of university staff, Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gâr and, in particular, the members of the Lampeter Resilience Hub, we have reached the stage where we can formally launch the Wales Centre for Resilience and Harmony.

“The centre is a key development for the university here at Lampeter. It forms part of a new ambitious and bold vision for Lampeter, entitled Canolfan Tir Glas, which aims to facilitate and accelerate economic growth in and around Lampeter. Strengthening economic resilience is at the heart of the vision, most of all, by taking advantage of the range of natural assets that exist locally”.

Selwyn Walters, Lampeter Mayor said: “The future of the university at Lampeter has always been held dear in the hearts of our townspeople.

“We therefore welcome the Canolfan Tir Glas initiative as an ambitious plan which will define the future role of the Lampeter campus and enhance the existing reputation our district has as a centre for diversity, resilience, and sustainability, not only nationally but internationally.”

Julia Lim of the Lampeter Resilience Hub said: “Lampeter Resilience Hub looks forward to our evolving partnership with the university and colleges. “We are eager to launch the first of our new courses at Lampeter and begin to showcase the wealth of local resources and people with skills to share”.